In Białystok we can currently witness the development of one of the largest cultural sites in Poland. The Podlasie Opera building will house a main hall with over 800 seats, a chamber hall as well as rehearsal rooms for the choir, ballet and orchestra; there will also be an outdoor amphitheater.
The author of the architectural design, Prof. Marek Budzyński, has worked in the past on large projects, such as the Warsaw Supreme Court building or the Warsaw University Library.
The consortium, which includes LTT Sp.z o.o., Waagner-Biro Austria Stage Systems AG, Promont and M.Ostrowski provides the complete opera stage technology, as designed by EMWU-Projekt studio.
M.Ostrowski was responsible for coordination tasks and the implementation project for the following systems:
• Main hall and chamber hall sound system (based on the project by Dr. Eng. Tadeusz Fidecki)
• PA and intercom system supporting stage manager work (based on the project by M.Sc.Eng. Maciej Wojechowski)
M.Ostrowski is also responsible for the delivery, installation, assembly, and commissioning of the earlier mentioned systems.
Project end is foreseen for January 2012.
Main hall sound system:
The user will be able to choose 48 out of the 124 possible signal sources and to feed them into the digital audio network. The audio distribution system was based on digital signal transfer, using popular CAT5e cabling. The main hall will be equipped among others with three M7CL consoles, from the well recognized in the audio world and renowned Company YAMAHA. One of these consoles will be located within the audience and will allow for control of the sound in the auditorium. The second console, located in the directors room, will be used for recording, whilst the third one will be used for stage feedback.
The digital audio network will be configured in a way, which allows for switching of the console functions, i.e. if a need arises, each of the FOH consoles (in the audience or the sound director’s room) can take over the functions of the other unit. In case of smaller shows it is possible to use the console in the sound director’s room as the main console. The consoles will also include all necessary peripherals, such as players, equalizers and effects units.
The sound archiving system is based on a PC computer with an appropriate audio interface, capable of recording 64 input channels. The audio signals are fed to the DAW unit using the MADI digital audio standard.
The sound system was equipped with high class traditional speaker sets, in the standard configuration: left, right and central. The project also foresees additional speaker sets on the side walls of the proscenium, to be used for voice announcements, or instead of the main system. Low-frequency speaker sets will operate in a cardioid configuration, limiting low frequency sound distribution towards the artists, located on the
proscenium or at the back of the stage.
Chamber hall sound system:
The chamber hall is provided with the required equipment for small spectacles, including among others wide-range and low frequency speaker sets, which allow for creating of a variety of sound scenes. Both the technical gallery and auditorium were fitted with a number of connection terminals, which allows for different configurations of the sound system and for connection of sound sources. The sound technician’s stand is located in the rear of the auditorium in the technical gallery.
Intercom (stage manager) communication system:
The system is based on a digital matrix serving 11 intercom units, including the primary stage manager’s units in the Main and Chamber halls. The system also allows for transmission of announcements through the PA speakers, switching on the “Silence” displays or entr’acte bells. Distribution of audio and control data between the intercom panels and the matrix is carried out using digital signals, much more resistant to electromagnetic interference, especially from electrical networks with thyristor controlled circuits. The stage manager intercom system was implemented in accordance to the recommendations and project by EMWU-Projekt.
DSO warning system:
M.Ostrowski also has the required staff, which is responsible for the supply, assembly and commissioning of a DSO system in this object.
